February 7, 2018
By: Colton Steiner, sports information assistant

DEFIANCE, Ohio - The Bluffton University women's basketball squad headed north to challenge rival Defiance College for the second time in four weeks. After a 77-62 victory on January 10 against the Yellow Jackets, the Beavers were able to complete the sweep thanks to a 28-point third quarter which powered a 78-50 win. The visitors improved to 16-6 (11-5 HCAC) on the season, while DC fell to 7-15 overall and 5-10 in the conference.

Bluffton jumped out 9-5 following a bucket by TJ MILLS (Dayton/Chaminade-Julienne) and three straight points from CHELSEA MOORE (Delaware/Olentangy). With Bluffton up 14-5, Defiance tallied six unanswered which made it a one-possession ball game. The teams exchanged baskets as Bluffton took a 16-13 edge into the second quarter. The Yellow Jackets knotted the game up (17-17) at the 7:56 mark of the second period before the Beavers would go on a 11-1 run that included a three by MACEY SHEERER (Bucyrus). Defiance made it a nine-point game (34-25) heading into the break.

The visitors opened the second half scoring six unanswered with four points from Chelsea Moore and a KAYCEE ROWE (Harrod/Allen East) deuce which made the score 40-25. After an 18-6 spurt by the Beavers, a NORA HEMMINGER (McComb) three and a free throw by Kaycee Rowe put Bluffton ahead 62-31 entering the final quarter. A 14-0 advantage in points off turnovers in the third quarter was a major key to the 28-6 period. Defiance trimmed the deficit under 30, but a jumper by KAYLA HEUKER (Botkins) and an old-fashioned three-point play from KYLIE BROCK (Villa Hills, Ky.) put Bluffton up 73-39 with 5:35 left in regulation. An 11-5 run by the home team made the final score 78-50 in favor of the Beavers.

Bluffton was led by Kaycee Rowe who was one rebound shy of another double-double as the senior scored 14 points and snagged nine boards. Macey Sheerer collected 14 markers and added nine rebounds as well, while TJ Mills netted 13 on a perfect 4-of-4 from the field and 5-of-5 at the charity stripe.

Bluffton knocked down 25-of-58 (43.1 percent) from the field while Defiance struggled from the floor, shooting only 26.7 percent (12-of-45). The Beavers racked up a 39-33 edge in the rebounding battle and also forced 21 Yellow Jacket turnovers while committing only 12.

Bluffton will play its final regular season road game on Saturday, Feb. 10, when the Beavers travel to Anderson University with tipoff set for 2 p.m.

-BEAVERS-